Android Auto™  (Pictured Left) automatically brings you useful information and organises it into simple cards that appear when they’re needed. 
The home screen shows you relevant information like time to destination, reminders, the current song and new messages.You can use Google voice control or the touch screen to operate Android Auto™ apps.
Apple Car Play ( Pictured Right) features Siri voice control to operate the navigation/maps, hands free phone and SMS.
Siri can be accessed by either using the voice recognition button on the steering wheel or holding the home screen button.

Google Maps /Maps:
Let Google Maps™ lead you to your destination. Voice-guided navigation, live traffic information and lane guidance will get you there safely. Integration with Google Calendar means you start your journey with minimal fuss and arrive at your destination sooner.
Maps give you turn-by-turn directions, traffic conditions, and the estimated travel time. Maps can also use the addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendar events to help you get to where you need to be.

Music/Spotify, Google Music:
Play your favourite artists, songs, podcasts and playlists from your iPhone² by using Siri² or the vehicle’s touch screen.
Access your favourite music with apps like Google Play™ Music and Spotify, or listen to podcasts through streaming apps.

Calls/ Messages:
Make calls and respond to messages using your voice, all while keeping your eyes on the road. Siri will guide you if you want to make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemail while driving to your destination safely. Siri can send, read, and reply to your text messages for you. Simply tell Siri what to do, and you’ll never have to look at your phone while driving.

Tire alignment, also known as wheel alignment, can help your tires perform properly and help them last longer. It can also improve handling and keep your vehicle from pulling in one direction or vibrating strangely on the road.
 
WHAT IS TIRE ALIGNMENT?
Alignment refers to an adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension – the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which affects how they make contact with the road.
 
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A TIRE ALIGNMENT?
There are a couple ways to tell if your car needs a tire alignment. If you've noticed one or more of these indicators, you should have your alignment checked by a licensed service technician immediately.
 
Uneven tread wear
Vehicle pulling to the left or right
Your steering wheel is off center when driving straight
Steering wheel vibration

CAMBER, TOE, & CASTER
When a technician checks your tire alignment, he or she is mainly concerned with three things:
 
1. CAMBER
This is the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much inward or outward tilt, also known as negative and positive camber, respectively, indicates improper alignment and will need to be adjusted. Worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel-suspension parts may contribute to camber misalignment.
 
2. TOE
Distinct from camber alignment, toe alignment is the extent to which your tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. If that’s confusing, just stand up and look down at your feet. Angle them inward toward the center of your body. When the tires on your car are angled the same way (remember, we’re thinking in terms of birds-eye-view), we call this toe-in alignment. Angle your feet outward and you have toe-out alignment. Both require adjustment.
 
3. CASTER
Your caster angle helps balance steering, stability, and cornering. Specifically, it’s the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. If you have positive caster, the steering axis will tilt toward the driver. Negative caster, on the other hand, means the steering axis tilts toward the front of your vehicle.
 
WHY TIRE ALIGNMENT MATTERS
Improper wheel or tire alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. Here are some specific types of undue tread wear attributable to misalignment:
 
FEATHERING
Tires are “feathered” when the tread is smooth on one side and sharp on another. This is usually a sign of poor toe alignment.
 
CAMBER WEAR
This strain of tread wear means the inside or outside of the tread is significantly more worn than the center of the tread. As its name implies, positive or negative camber causes this type of wear.
 
HEEL/TOE WEAR
This happens when one side of your tread blocks wears down more quickly than the other in a circumferential direction. When you run your hand over the tread, it will look and feel like saw teeth when viewed from the side. Heel/toe wear could be a sign of under inflation and/or lack of rotation.
 
If you’re experiencing any of these unusual wear patterns, you should have a technician check your alignment. While tire wear prevention is a good reason to keep your wheel alignment in check, the consequences of misalignment can also play out in overall vehicle performance. A car that pulls to one side or steers erratically, for example, probably has an alignment problem.
 
TIRE BALANCING
Distinct from tire alignment, tire or wheel balancing refers to compensation for any weight imbalances in the tire/wheel combination and is often performed in conjunction with wheel alignment. There are two basic types of tire/wheel imbalance that need correction – static (single plane) and dynamic (dual plane).
 
Static balance addresses balance on only one plane – vertical movement which can cause vibration. A dynamic imbalance, on the other hand, addresses balance in two planes – vertical movement and lateral movement . Both types of imbalance require the use of a special balancing machine to help even things out.
 
To begin balancing your tires, a technician will mount them on the correct rims and adjust the pressure to optimal inflation. Then each tire goes on the center bore of a balancing machine. The machine spins the tire at a high speed to measure the wheel/tire combination imbalance. It signals how much weight the tech should add to balance out the tire and the areas where said weight is needed.
 
Tire balancing is essential for proper tire care for the same reason as wheel alignment: prevention of premature tread wear. Having tires aligned and balanced every 12 months can help maximize their lifespan and overall performance.

Tyre rotation refers to the periodic shifting of a car's wheels and tyres to ensure uniform tread wear and longer tread life. Front tyres exert more pressure than the rear and hence it becomes imperative for the tyres to be rotated. Here are some tips on how and when to get your car tyres rotated. 

Did you know that a child under seven years must be seated in an approved child restraint?
As a driver, it’s your responsibility to ensure this happens. Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of deaths through injury for New Zealand children.
On average each year, about four children aged under 10 die as a passenger in a crash. More than 200 are injured.
International best practice recommends that a child should be seated in an approved child restraint until they are 148cm tall or 11 years old because seatbelts are designed for people over that height. The age and size of the child determines the type of restraint required and when it needs to be changed.
Always consult an expert when buying/renting a child restraint for the first time. The NZ Transport Agency website has a list of certified Child Restraint Technicians who have been trained so they can provide informed advice on the type of child restraint you may need, and better yet — how to correctly fit one.
Technicians can come from a variety of organisations such as retailers, car rental companies, hospitals and charities. Child restraints are sold in stores that specialise in baby supplies, department stores and larger toy shops. You can rent child restraints from the Plunket Society, or community groups.

Types of child restraints can be best explained in the following three stages:

1. Rear-facing car seat or capsule:
Babies can come early so it’s recommended that you have a seat installed and have practised taking it in and out of all the vehicles you’ll use it in well before the due date.
Always put this type of restraint in the back seat with the baby looking out the rear window. Never put a rear facing seat in the front if there’s an airbag in the dash — your baby will be at risk if the airbag inflates.
It’s time to change to a front-facing car seat when the child’s head reaches the top of the car seat, or their weight is over the recommended maximum weight for the seat. This is usually around the time a child turns two.

2. Forward-facing car seat: 
Always use an approved seat (look for standard compliance labels) correct for the weight and size until it no longer fits.
Plunket advises that size is more important than age for car seat choice. If the seat has a top tether, make sure it is used and the vehicle has an appropriate tethering point. Some vehicles come with anchor points in the parcel shelf, or you can purchase an approved bracket and have a competent workshop fit it.
You may also see the word ISOFIX on vehicle and child seats — these are dedicated lower anchorage points making the installation of child restraints a breeze.
It‘s time for an upgrade to a booster seat when the child’s eye level is at the top of the car seat or they exceed the seat recommended weight limit.

3. Booster seat:
Choose a booster seat with a guide that keeps the safety belt on the child’s shoulder, away from the neck. It should also allow the vehicle seatbelt to sit against the child’s body and not be held away from it.
Once again, the back seat is the safest place for a child to sit. Make sure a lap and sash/diagonal seatbelt is used and not a single lap belt.
You can also use a child safety harness with some booster seats which anchors into the vehicle like the tether on a car seat.
Further information can be found on the NZTA and Plunket websites or in retail outlets where you might find child restraint technicians.

Volkswagen's Active Info Display, gives you greater access to Vehicle information than ever before.
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The Active Info Display takes place of traditional instrumentation behind the steering wheel. This High-Definition Display uses a 12.3" Screen with configurable views. Choose from Maps, Vehicle Information, Driver Assistance, Off- Road and Vehicle Performance Functions. Use the multi-function steering wheel to adjust the Active Info Display to your personal Preferences. 

The Leather Wrapped Multi-Function Steering Wheel is not only comfortable to grip on long journeys but gives you the ability to stay in charge of your vehicles technology while on the move. You are able to access and control your vehicles Bluetooth,  Cruise or Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Info Display and Driving Information. Control Radio Stations and volumes as well as setting your speed limiter and answering phone calls. 

Volkswagen's Glass Covered Touchscreen is an 8 inch High Definition Colour Display which connects intuitively to the infotainment system.  Using the easily accessible menu buttons gives you access to Naviagtion, the App-Connect Menu, Media Menu, Important vehicle information, the Radio, Phone and Voice Commands. Gesture Control allows you to change radio stations and make adjustments using only gestures.  

​Lachlan is a representative rugby player (Openside Flanker) who has played rugby for Taranaki from under 13 level through to Senior Mitre 10 Cup Level. Lachlan is currently contracted to and plays for the Chiefs Super Rugby Team. He has also represented New Zealand at Secondary School Level, Under 20 Level and the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.

1.  Open Your Key Fob:
The first step is to open up your key fob. Take a flat head screwdriver and gently pry it open around the edges. It’s best to pry it open in a few different places so you don’t break the key fob.

2. Pinpoint the Battery Type:
If you don’t already know what kind of replacement battery you need, you’ll be able to identify it now that you have the key fob opened up. Pay attention to the battery – and + markings, and the type of battery you’ll need. You can purchase your replacement battery from the WR Phillips Parts Department so call us Toll Free on 0508 889 889 or pop in to 156 Devon St West and see our knowledgeable Parts Team. We have most types of key batteries in stock. 

3. Replace the Battery:

Now it’s time to replace the battery. Put the battery in the correct position, aligning properly with the battery markings. Gently snap the fob back together and test the remote buttons to make sure the new battery works.
That’s it! If you’re still unsure about replacing your key battery drop in and see Craig in our Parts Reception or call our Toll Free Line on 0508 889 889.

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Spring is not too far away and that means we have got excited to head out and hit the road. We have come up with our Top 5 Road Trips. 

1: Taranaki Loop
Drive right around Mt Taranaki and follow the Surf 45 Coastal Highway for some of the best Surf Breaks in the country.  There is lots to explore including the Cape Egmont Lighthouse and the Forgotten Highway out to the Republic of Whangamonona. There are stunning views throughout this Journey. 

2: Wanaka to Dunedin:
This South Island Road Trip takes in some of the most picturesque roads in the country, there are scenic stop offs throughout this journey, so make sure there is memory on the Camera! Driving through the countryside around Queenstown and Central Otago provides beautiful vistas and stunning scenery to take in. 

3: The Coromandel Loop:
This drive is a stunning journey encompassing the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula  starting from the Township of Thames and meandering along the Coast road which follows the coastline and provides stunning views of the ocean and the Native Christmas tree, the beautiful Pohutakawa. The return journey from the top of the Peninsula provides stunning white sand beaches and delightful views of classic New Zealand countryside.

4: Auckland to Kaitaia:
This journey takes you from New Zealand's largest city to the beautiful Bay Of Islands, with white sand beaches and clear water beckoning you. There are multiple stops of interest along the way,  including the Gum Museum and 90 Mile Beach which is a stunning expanse of sand. 

5: Napier to Rotorua:
This is a long road-trip which takes in Napier's wine country and takes you through to the thermal wonderland that is Rotorua. With plenty to do and see in this area including the Blue Lake, native forests and geysers a plenty, this is an amazing area in which to enjoy classic New Zealand vistas.  

1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey:
    In the days before your journey make sure you check the tyres, oil and water, check the windscreen washer fluid and fill up with fuel.  Turn the Air Conditioning on full before leaving and ensure it is working correctly. Or book in for a $99 Air Conditioning Special, which re-gasses your vehicles air conditioning and makes sure it is all working correctly.  Remember if you are planning on towing a trailer to check that as well, or book it in with our service department for a Warrant Of Fitness before departing. (Bookings subject to availability)  

2.Load up your vehicle the night before:
    Stress-levels are sure to rise if you attempt to pack your vehicle  on the day you are leaving.  Fitting everything in your vehicle in a rush is a recipe for disaster and a sure-fire way to start your holiday under stress.  It's much easier to pre-select items such as snacks and music before you leave. 

3.Pack an Extra Cellphone Charger:
   It may be a small item, but having a cellphone charger  spare can make all the difference and make a popular member of the family if some-one else forgets theirs. Having a Charger plugged into the Cigarette Lighter in your vehicle is also handy as it means if something untoward does occur and you need to call for assistance, at least you will have a charged phone. 

4.Drive to the Conditions:
   Always be aware of the conditions, both weather and road. There is often increased traffic over the holiday period and this may mean that trips take longer, so be sure to allow more time. Drive defensively by letting quicker vehicles pass and ensure you keep a safe following distance in case the vehicle in front of you makes a mistake. 

5.Drive Smoothly, Save Fuel:
    If you are travelling a long distance save fuel by driving smoothly, anticipating what is ahead and minimising  heavy acceleration and braking. Smoother is Faster and your passengers will thank you as well. 

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a feature that alerts a driver to an imminent crash and helps them use the maximum braking capacity of their vehicle.
Full AEB will independently apply the brakes if the situation becomes critical and the driver hasn’t braked. The aim is to reduce the impact or eliminate an accident altogether.
Real-world data suggests AEB can reduce crashes by up to 27 per cent and ANCAP would like to see this life-saving technology become a mandatory requirement for all new vehicles sold in New Zealand.
Front collision warning systems can vary between different manufacturers and in some cases, even the different models. Some vehicles also feature two or more AEB systems.
AEB technology coupled with adaptive cruise control is simply magic for motorway driving and even better in peak hour traffic. Once you have set the following distance, the car does the rest to maintain a safe presence behind the car in front. Most cars with this feature will have at least three following distances to choose from.
Great technology, right? The only issue is the aggressive NZ motorist. You know, the one who cuts into the gap you’ve purposely left for a safe following distance? If a car cuts in front of you, the AEB may apply the brakes to avoid a collision to maintain a safe gap.
If your car is equipped with AEB and traffic grinds to a sudden halt, you might hear or see the warning lights and in some cases the brakes may be applied before you even get a chance to react yourself.

To Discuss the Safety Technologies Available across our Range of Vehicles call our Sales Team today on 06 968 5679  or Email Us Today.